Monastère de Tibhirine, Kabylia Travel Guide

4.5 (292)

A former Trappist monastery in Algeria, now a place of interfaith dialogue, remembrance, and peace, high in the Atlas Mountains.

Home
Travel Guides
Algeria
Kabylia
Monastère de Tibhirine

Nestled in the Atlas Mountains near Draa Essamar, Algeria, the Monastère de Tibhirine is a former Trappist monastery with a poignant history. It stands as a testament to interfaith dialogue and the monks who lived and died there, and is now a place of pilgrimage, reflection, and remembrance.

A brief summary to Monastère de Tibhirine

7PW8+57X, Draa Essamar, Tibhirine, DZ
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 10 am-12 pm
Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
Thursday 10 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Monastère de Tibhirine.

The monastery is open for individual visits from Monday to Thursday. Saturday is reserved for groups.
When you arrive, call the number posted on the door. A brother or sister will guide you.
The tour includes the church, gardens, and the monks' cemetery.
The visit concludes in the monastery's exhibition hall, where you can purchase local farm products.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Attractions Touristiques Cap Carbon

Azra

Tipaza

Cascades Kefrida

Tamaghra Park

Explore Monastère de Tibhirine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Monastère de Tibhirine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Médéa, follow signs towards Tibhirine. The route winds through the mountains, offering scenic views. Be aware that one of the two roads to Tibhirine may be closed. The monastery is located overlooking the village. There is no fee to enter the Monastère de Tibhirine.

Discover more about Monastère de Tibhirine

The Monastère de Tibhirine, or Abbey of Our Lady of Atlas, is located in a mountainous region near Draa Essamar, approximately 90 km south of Algiers. Founded in 1938, the monastery became a place of friendship between Muslims and Christians. The monks formed a cooperative with the local villagers, working the land together.In 1996, during the Algerian Civil War, seven monks were kidnapped from the monastery. After several weeks, a statement attributed to the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) announced their assassination. The monks' heads were found near Médéa. The events surrounding their deaths are still debated. The monks of Tibhirine were beatified in December 2018.Today, the monastery is maintained by the Chemin Neuf Community, who continue the monks' work of prayer, hospitality, and farming. Visitors can tour the monastery with a guide, see the church and gardens, and visit the cemetery where the monks are buried. The site offers a place for spiritual retreat and welcomes people of all faiths.